Survey Reveals 25% of Adults Believe They May Have Undiagnosed ADHD

Author: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Published: 2024/10/14 - Updated: 2025/02/20
Publication Type: Survey, Analysis
Peer-Reviewed: Yes
Topic: ADHD and ADD - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: Recent trending social media videos have raised awareness of adult ADHD, but experts now warn against self-diagnosis and incorrect treatment.

Why it matters: This article provides valuable insights into the growing awareness of adult ADHD and its potential impact on public health. It highlights a significant finding from a national survey conducted by The Ohio State University, which reveals that 25% of adults suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD. The article is particularly useful as it addresses the concerns surrounding self-diagnosis and emphasizes the importance of seeking professional evaluation. By discussing the different types of ADHD, common symptoms, and the challenges in diagnosing the condition in adults, it serves as an informative resource for individuals who may be questioning their own mental health. Additionally, the article's emphasis on the need for proper diagnosis and treatment by medical professionals is crucial in preventing potential misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder - also known as ADHD - is typically thought of as a childhood condition. But more adults are realizing that their struggles with attention, focus and restlessness could in fact be undiagnosed ADHD, thanks in large part to trending social media videos racking up millions of views.

Main Item

A new national survey of 1,000 American adults commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine finds that 25% of adults now suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD. But what worries mental health experts is that only 13% of survey respondents have shared their suspicions with their doctor.

That's raising concerns about the consequences of self-diagnosis leading to incorrect treatment.

"Anxiety, depression and ADHD - all these things can look a lot alike, but the wrong treatment can make things worse instead of helping that person feel better and improving their functioning," said psychologist Justin Barterian, PhD, clinical assistant professor in Ohio State's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health.

An estimated 4.4% of people ages 18 to 44 have ADHD, and some people aren't diagnosed until they're older, Barterian said.

"There's definitely more awareness of how it can continue to affect folks into adulthood and a lot of people who are realizing, once their kids have been diagnosed, that they fit these symptoms as well, given that it's a genetic disorder," Barterian said.

The survey found that younger adults are more likely to believe they have undiagnosed ADHD than older generations, and they're also more likely to do something about it.

Barterian said that should include seeing a medical professional, usually their primary care provider, to receive a referral to a mental health expert to be thoroughly evaluated, accurately diagnosed and effectively treated.

"If you're watching videos on social media and it makes you think that you may meet criteria for the disorder, I would encourage you to seek an evaluation from a psychologist or a psychiatrist or a physician to get it checked out," Barterian said.

What is Adult ADHD?

Adults struggling with ADHD will have problems with paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are severe enough to cause ongoing challenges at school, work and home. These symptoms are persistent and disruptive and can often be traced back to childhood.

Adult ADHD occurs in:

• Adults who were diagnosed as children, but symptoms continue into adulthood.
• Adults who are diagnosed for the first time, despite experiencing symptoms since they were younger that had been ignored or misdiagnosed.

Hyperactivity as a symptom is typically less present in adults than in children. Many adults with ADHD struggle with memory and concentration issues. Symptoms of ADHD often worsen with stress, conflict or increased demands in life.

What are common types of ADHD?

The three types of ADHD are:

• Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD - Hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Combined ADHD - This type causes inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Inattentive ADHD - Inability to pay attention and distractibility. This also is known as attention-deficit disorder (ADD).

ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adults, because some of the symptoms are similar to those in other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

"Symptoms of ADHD can look different between different people," Barterian said. "Some people might have more difficulty focusing on lectures or with organization, while others may have more social difficulties with impulsivity and trouble following along in conversations."

Survey Methodology

This study was conducted by SSRS on its Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. The SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus is a national, twice-per-month, probability-based survey. Data collection was conducted from August 16 - August 18, 2024, among a sample of 1,006 respondents. The survey was conducted via web (n=975) and telephone (n=31) and administered in English. The margin of error for total respondents is +/-3.8 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus data are weighted to represent the target population of U.S. adults ages 18 or older.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

The recent surge in social media content about ADHD has undoubtedly increased public awareness, leading many adults to question whether they might have undiagnosed ADHD. However, self-diagnosis based on online information can be misleading and potentially harmful. It's essential for individuals to consult healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Mental health experts emphasize that conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD can present with overlapping symptoms, making professional evaluation crucial to determine the correct diagnosis and avoid ineffective or detrimental treatments. If you recognize persistent issues with attention, focus, or impulsivity that disrupt your daily life, seeking a comprehensive assessment from a qualified mental health professional is the recommended course of action

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and published on 2024/10/14, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center can be contacted at wexnermedical.osu.edu NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.